Mom and I will never forget the day he said it.

Mom was at one end of the couch with Nick's head resting on her shoulder.

I was at the other end of the couch, holding Nick's feet.

Amber, my mom's dog, rested sweetly beside Nick.

All three of us were sipping cups of coffee (Nick loved a little cup of coffee from time to time ).

Nick wasn't very strong. His cancer had spread to a point of visible tumors all over his head. To anyone who stopped by our house, I know the sight left them upset and discouraged.

But Nick, who carried the weight of the cancer personally, never let the beast touch his spirit.

His smile remained.

His humor continued.

And his outlook on life stayed forever positive.

So, when mom and I witnessed him weakly reach down and pet Amber as he said out loud, "Amber, this is the life," we knew we were in the presence of one of the most precious boys ever created on this planet.

Tim has shared this story in sermons, and I believe these words from Nick were meant for more than just me and mom to hear. Nick was speaking from the depths of his soul

To me, it was as if he were leaving this message.

No matter what you may be facing on any given day,

"This is the life!"

Embrace it. Love it. Enjoy it. Savor it. Accept it. Learn from it.

Acknowledge it.

This is the life!

This past weekend I was in Lexington. As I walked through a store I had never been in before, I noticed some message boards that contained non-traditional sayings.

As I walked around and read them, two especially caught my eye!

I couldn't resist buying them for my kitchen.

I rarely ever drink a cup of coffee without reflecting on and being thankful for this special moment with my sweet Nick.

Today, I hope you'll be inspired by him no matter what you're dealing with in your personal life.

Remember, God loves you and He walks the same road you are walking.

You are never alone.

That is why Paul could say from a prison cell,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Phil. 4:6-12

I believe that Paul, even in chains for Christ, would have said the same thing Nick said,

"This is the life!"